- Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Friday, 6th May 2011
“I have some knowledge, however, of baritsu …”
– Sherlock Holmes on his defeat of Professor Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls
While the real martial art of Bartitsu was almost completely forgotten throughout the 20th century, this immortal line penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle provided the vital clue that led to its modern revival.
The Undershaw Preservation Trust has designated May 14th as Worldwide Undershaw Preservation Day. Supporters of the plan to save and restore Doyle’s former residence, where he wrote The Return of Sherlock Holmes and the lines about Holmes’ use of “baritsu” against Moriarty, are encouraged to wear something Sherlockian on that day and to help promote the preservation project.
All details, including video, historical images, essays and messages of support are available at the Preservation Trust’s website.